Charisma - Beasts And Fiends (1970 us, jazzy prog bluesy rock)
A two-album band from New Britain, Connecticut, formed in 1968. The core of the band initially consisted of drummer Ritchie Tortorige and bassist George Tyrell, both former members of the local soul group The Mantiques. In 1968, guitarist Tom Majesky, who had also played with The Mantiques, Bernie Kornowicz (ex-The Last Five), and vocalist Mike DeLisa joined the band. In 1969, the musicians signed a contract with Roulette Records. Their first self-titled album was produced by Ed Vallone, with most of the songs written by Bruce McGaw. During the recording of the album, the musicians fought with the label to change the band's name. An alternative to The Mantiques was "Charisma," which the musicians were nevertheless unhappy with. The album was recorded at Incredible Sound Studios in New York City. Ultimately, the musicians released two albums under their chosen label, which sold better in Europe than in the US. The band was offered a third album, but it never came to fruition. Furthermore, all proceeds from the album sales went to the label, leaving the musicians with nothing. Nevertheless, the band didn't disband until 1976. This is their second album.
Before the recording of the second album, Mike DeLisa decided to go his own way, leaving the job of lead vocalist to guitarist Tom. Beasts and Fiends was recorded at the Record Plant in NYC during the summer of 1970. The lead engineer was the top engineer in the business: Jack Hunt (the Woodstock album, Electric Ladyland), assisted by Dave Ragno (the Woodstock album), and Tom Fly (the Woodstock album, former drummer of Lother and the Hand People). While credit was given to Bruce McGaw and Ed Vallone for production, fact is the album was produced by Charisma with interference run by Jack Hunt.
Tracks
1. Street Theatre (Mocarsky) - 0:00
2. The No-Tell Motel (Mocarsky, Langlois) - 4:00
3. Dirty Pigs Don't Get Far In This World (Mocarsky, Langlois) - 9:08
4. Bizwambi: Ritual Dance Of The Reptiles (Charisma) - 11:48
5. Leopold's Ghost (Mocarsky, Langlois) - 16:40
6. The Age Of The Reptiles (Mocarsky, Langlois) - 21:40
7. Beasts And Fiends (Mocarsky, Langlois) - 25:08
8. Pray For Lockjaw (Charisma) - 33:17
Charisma
*Tom Majesky - Guitar, Vocals
*Bernie Kornowicz - Bass, Guitar, Organ
*Rich Tortorigi - Drums
*Bob Mocarsky - Organ, Percussion
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